A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant
luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle
and shell, of certain bivalve mollusks, especially in the pearl
oysters and river mussels, and sometimes in certain univalves. It is
usually due to a secretion of shelly substance around some irritating
foreign particle. Its substance is the same as nacre, or mother-of-
pearl. Pearls which are round, or nearly round, and of fine luster,
are highly esteemed as jewels, and compare in value with the precious
stones.
Hence, figuratively, something resembling a
pearl; something very precious.
Nacre, or mother-of-pearl.
A fish allied to the
turbot; the brill.
A light-colored
tern.
One of the circle of
tubercles which form the bur on a deer's antler.
A whitish speck or film on the eye.
A capsule of gelatin or similar substance
containing some liquid for medicinal application, as ether.
A size of type, between
agate and diamond.